What is a transfer applicant?

You are a transfer applicant if you started post-secondary
studies at one college or university and then chose to move to a
different school. If you have completed any academic coursework
during a regular session at a college or university after high
school, you are a transfer applicant.

Intensive English language study is not considered
academic coursework.

Is there an application deadline?

UB has "rolling admission" deadlines. This means that we accept
applications and admit qualified students until all available seats
are filled. Some degree programs fill their seats quickly. Most
scholarships are awarded in January and February. Therefore, we
recommend that you apply as early as you can in your last year of
secondary school. Our recommended filing date is Feb. 1 for the
Fall applicants and Oct. 1 for Spring applicants; and earlier is
better.

What is the difference between SUNY Buffalo (UB) and SUNY Buffalo State?

They are not the same! There are two SUNY institutions in
Buffalo. This can be confusing, so be sure to select the correct
one when you're applying.

University at Buffalo (UB) is officially called University at
Buffalo, The State University of New York (and this is sometimes
shortened to SUNY Buffalo). UB is the premier flagship university
center of the SUNY system. UB's SUNY code is: 22. UB's TOEFL and
SAT school code is 2925. UB's ACT school code is 2978.

There is a second, different school which has a very similar
name and is known by multiple "nicknames"; this school's official
name is State University of New York College at Buffalo and it also
uses these shortened nicknames: SUNY Buffalo State, Buffalo State,
Buff State, Buffalo State College, and SUNY College at Buffalo.
This school is NOT the same as University at Buffalo
(UB). SUNY Buffalo State is a smaller college located just a few
miles from UB.

Just remember:

UB (University at Buffalo) is the
university.

SUNY Buffalo State (Buff State) is a college and a separate
institution from UB.

Do you have Early Admission?

No, international student applications are reviewed when they
are complete, so “early admission” depends entirely on
when and in what state of completion the applicant sends his or her
application to UB. We encourage you to apply early so that you'll
meet scholarship consideration deadlines.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is government money that is available only to
qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents. State and federal
financial aid is not available to international students. However,
UB offers merit-based scholarships to qualified students, including
international students.

Do I need to take the SAT or ACT?

SAT / ACT is recommended for all freshman applicants.

SAT / ACT is required for freshman applicants who will graduate
from a high school in the U.S.

SAT / ACT is required for direct admission to architecture,
biological sciences / dentistry combined program, computer science,
and engineering. Without minimum SAT scores, students applying to
these majors will be admitted to the university as a general
student and then apply to the department after meeting the
prerequisites.

What if my TOEFL/IETLS/SAT score is below the minimum for any type of admission (Standard, Standard with Language Support, Conditional Bridge)?

If you can take the TOEFL or IELTS again in the near future, and
present a new score that meets the admission requirements, your
file will be reconsidered. We will be happy to review your
application file with the new score and, if your score meets the
minimum requirement, perhaps offer a new admission decision.

If you cannot achieve a minimum score that meets our admission
requirements, you can join UB's English Language Institute to
improve your English. Then you would apply to UB when you meet the
minimum score requirements.

Do you award any advanced standing credit?

Are freshmen accepted directly into a major?

Some departments do accept freshmen directly —
Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Exercise Science,
Management, Nuclear Medicine Technology and Occupational Therapy.
Otherwise, students are enrolled as general university students and
will apply to their major later, usually during the second year
after completing any prerequisites.

I am interested in graduate study. Can you tell me what the admission requirements are?

As a prospective graduate applicant, you should contact the
academic department directly for information about application
requirements and procedures, as well as the availability of
financial aid. Each department has its own admission policy and
available financial grants.

For Applicants

On this page:

What is the Document Submission System?

The Document Submission System is a web portal that allows you
to submit all of your application materials electronically.
You will receive access to this site after you have submitted your
application. Anything you need to submit to our office can be
submitted using this system.

I already submitted documents through the SUNY Application or Common Application. Do I need to upload them again through the UB Document Submission System?

Any documents that you uploaded though the Common Application or
SUNY Application will be forwarded to our office. This can
sometimes take a few weeks from the time your application is
recieved.

If you believe you submitted a document but it is showing as
"Missing" on your application status you can contact
our office and we will be happy to look into it.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application online. You will
receive an email with a login and password to access the
application status site after an admissions advisor has done the
first review of your application.

How long does it take to review my application?

You will receive a decision on your application 10-15 days after
submitting all of the required application materials through the
Document Submissions System.

We will notify you though email once a decision has been made.

I uploaded all my documents and it has been more than 15 days, yet I haven't heard anything from your office. Why haven’t I received an admission decision yet?

If you have waited more than 15 days for an admission decision,
please contact
our office and we will be happy to assist you.

For Accepted Students

On this page:

Do I have to do anything to accept UB's offer of admission? Do I have to pay a tuition deposit?

Yes, in order to reserve your seat at UB, you need to accept our
offer of admission. This is done by paying the tuition deposit. The
deadline for paying the tuition deposit is May 1 (or within 10
business days of admission if you are admitted after May 1);
tuition deposits are accepted after May 1 only if seats are still
available.

Is the tuition deposit refundable if I change my mind about attending UB?

For Fall admission, you may decline UB's offer of admission and
receive a tuition deposit refund until May 1st. After May
1st, tuition deposits are not refundable.

Does UB offer an Orientation program? Do I have to attend?

Yes. In fact, UB's International Student Orientation is one of
the most comprehensive university orientation programs in the U.S.
All incoming UB students attend an orientation program; UB's
international students attend the International Student
Orientation, which takes place in the week immediately before
classes begin.

In the weeklong orientation program, you will attend required
sessions about campus safety and immigration; you'll meet with your
academic advisor and register for classes; you'll have the
opportunity to meet with representatives so that you can open a
bank account and purchase a phone plan. And just as important,
you'll have the opportunity to meet others from around the world
and the U.S. so that you can start making connections and lifelong
friends.

Where should I live?

We strongly encourage all undergraduate students to live in
on-campus housing. While living on campus is not required, there
are so many advantages to living on campus. Living on campus is
safe. Living on campus is convenient (everything from classes to
food to activities is just a minute away). The cost of living on
campus is reasonable and you won't have any separate charges for
utilities like electricity, water and TV. And living on campus is
the best way to make new friends and integrate with the rest of the
campus.

If you do live on campus, be aware that not all the residence
halls stay open during school breaks. If you intend to remain on
campus during term breaks, or if you're not sure, you should be
sure to choose "break housing." This will be explained on the
housing preference application.

Can I arrive on campus late?

While you should make every effort to be on campus by the start
date specified on your I-20 (which is the first day of
International Student Orientation), we understand that problems
arise and travel plans need to be changed.

But please understand that arriving late means you will be
ill-prepared in your first semester at UB. In addition, you will
register for classes late and may not be able to get the classes
you need.

We recommend that you make every effort to arrive in time
for the start of International Student Orientation.

Each case for a late arrival request is reviewed individually;
approval or denial will be based on the individual merits of your
request. Typically, if late arrival is approved, your arrival date
will be delayed only up to the 4th day of classes; beyond that late
arrival is generally not approved.

(Graduate students may not use this form. Graduate students who
wish to request late arrival should contact their academic
department.)

Does UB provide airport pick-up service?

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located just 15
kilometers from campus. It's quick and easy to take a taxi (and it
costs only $25 – $30). The taxis are familiar with the campus
and they'll know exactly where to take you.

You may also contact a student representative of your international student club to ask if they might
provide you with assistance on your arrival.

When do I pay my tuition?

Newly accepted students arriving on campus for the first time
will pay their first bill approximately one month after arriving on
campus.

My name does not appear the way that I entered it on my application. Why did you change it?

Your passport is the official document for all our records and
with only a few exceptions we follow it exactly.

One exception: If your passport does not show a surname, we are
required to use all of your given names as your surname and leave
your given name blank (for the university's student information
system and your I-20).

Unless you can provide an updated passport that lists your name
as you would like it to appear, your record cannot be changed.

I have requested that ETS/College Board/ACT send my official scores directly to UB but you are still asking for them. Do I have to send them again?

If your name on your test results does not match the name you
put on your UB application, it can be difficult for our electronic
system to match the scores to your record. If you send us a scanned
copy of your score report showing that the official score was sent
to UB, we can manually match the scores to your application.

UB's school code for TOEFL and SAT is 2925. UB's school code for
ACT is 2978.

Honors College

On this page:

What is the University Honors College?

The UB Honors College is a prestigious program for the top
entering freshmen of the university. The UB Honors College students
are encouraged to be involved in research, internships and other
experiences that will enhance and enrich their undergraduate
education.

UB Honors College students have special privileges such as early
class registration, personalized advisement, Honors Living
Community, faculty mentor and a special notation on the academic
transcript.

Interested students may apply to the UB Honors College after
they have been admitted to UB by submitting a separate online
application.

For Transfer Students

On this page:

Why didn’t I get credit for my English classes?

Except for a few rare exceptions, UB does not award credit for
English composition/English language classes taken outside the U.S.
If you have questions, please consult an advisor in the Office of
International Admissions after you arrive on campus.

I have received 90 transfer credits. Does that mean I will graduate in one year, or as soon as I have completed my 120 credit total?

No. Simply completing 120 credits does not mean that you have
completed the required work to graduate with a degree from UB. In
order to graduate, you must earn the minimum number of required
credits (120) and also complete all the university and department
requirements.

I have already taken several classes that should apply to my major. Why don’t they show up as credit that fulfills my major requirements?

Since the faculty in each department are the experts in their
field, they make decisions as to which transfer courses
sufficiently match UB courses well enough to fulfill the department
requirements. The initial evaluation that is done by International
Admissions gives credit for all appropriate courses and assigns
some of those credits to specific General Education requirements
when possible. Courses in math and sciences, or more specialized
fields, have to be reviewed by departmental faculty to determine if
they can be used to fulfill UB requirements.

When you arrive on campus, you will submit requests to
individual departments asking them to review and match (articulate)
the external course to a specific UB course. Be sure to bring
copies of course syllabi, course descriptions or course
catalogs.

When can I get my new UB I-20?

If you are transferring from a U.S. institution, we cannot begin
processing the new I-20 until we have received the SEVIS transfer
form from the DSO (Designated School Official) at your previous
school. Once we receive the transfer form, we will follow the
release date that has been indicated by the DSO. Until that date
passes, we cannot work with your record in SEVIS. We work hard to
issue transfer I-20s as close to the indicated release date as
possible.

For Parents

On this page:

What scholarships are available and how does my child apply for them?

The University at Buffalo offers merit-based scholarships in
varying amounts to qualified international FRESHMEN.
Scholarship awards vary from $2,500 – $15,000 per academic
year and are renewable for up to four years with good academic
standing. Each year, 20 – 25 of these prestigious
scholarships are awarded.

A special application is not required for these scholarships.
All applicants are considered as part of the regular application
review process. But students do need to apply early. The best
scholarships are awarded early and we recommend that students apply
by Dec. 1 to have the best chance of being reviewed in time.
Students who apply later (between February and April) will still
have a chance for a scholarship, but their chances are diminished
and the scholarships amounts may be smaller.

Eligibility is based on overall secondary school performance,
test scores, an essay and teacher recommendations. SAT I or ACT is
required for international students who would like to be considered
for scholarships.

When will we receive the tuition bill and when do we have to pay it?

All university bills are sent directly to the student by email.
Paper billing statements are not mailed.

Your son or daughter can give you limited access to his or her
online UB student account. This way, you can view the university
bill and make payments directly to the university on behalf of your
student.

Newly accepted students arriving on campus for the first time
will pay their first bill approximately one month after arriving on
campus. Subsequently, semester bills are due just prior to the
start of the next semester (unless the student has signed up for UB
installment Payment Plan).

How much money does my child need to bring to UB?

Personal and incidental expenses are not included in the
estimated cost of attendance on your student’s I-20. The
university recommends an annual allowance of at least $1,000 for
books and supplies and $1,500 for personal expenses and incidental
costs. We do not recommend that your son/daughter carry large sums
of cash when traveling to the U.S. Please bring a small amount of
cash (a few hundred dollars) along with a credit card.

If your child plans to bring money (e.g., cash, money order,
certified check, travelers’ checks and letter of credit) into
the U.S., please note the following advisory from the U.S. Customs
and Border Protection (CBP) website:“Travelers leaving or entering the U.S. are required to
report monetary instruments (i.e. currency or checks) valued at
$10,000 or more on a "Report of International Transportation of
Currency or Monetary Instruments" form FinCEN 105” (available
at www.fincen.gov/fin105_cmir.pdf
or from a CBP officer). Failure to declare currency in amounts of
over $10,000 can result in its seizure.”

How do I know if my child was admitted to his or her intended major?

A student’s acceptance letter states whether or not she or
he has been admitted directly into a major program. At UB, some
programs admit freshmen directly. Others require that intended
students complete prerequisite classes before they can be
considered for admission to the major. Most students are not
admitted to a major until their second year of study. Academic
advisors will be available during International Student Orientation
to provide further guidance about admission to a major.

When will my child register for classes?

New international students register for classes during
International Student Orientation, which is held each semester the
week prior to the start of classes. During orientation, your child
will meet with an academic advisor for help with a study plan and
choosing appropriate classes.

Is the campus safe?

While we proudly carry Buffalo in our university name, in fact,
our main campus is located in the quiet suburb of Amherst about 15
minutes from downtown Buffalo. Since 1997, Amherst has been ranked
as one of America’s Safest Cities.

The University at Buffalo has its own police department whose
officers patrol the campuses and surrounding areas. All residence
halls are secure buildings that only residents can enter using
their electronic door cards. Emergency telephones with direct links
to the police are located at many places around the campus. UB
police officers also conduct crime prevention seminars,
self-defense classes and general safety programs for students.

Are students required to live on campus?

No, students are not required to live on campus, but we know
that students living on campus experience more of what the
university has to offer, because it is a bigger part of their
lives. Residents get to know more people with different
backgrounds, participate in more campus activities and events, and
are more satisfied with their collegiate experience. Living on
campus is convenient and complements your child’s education;
everything they need is nearby. Studies show a direct relationship
between living on campus and academic success in the classroom.

How do I find off-campus housing for my child?

We strongly recommend that all undergraduate students live on
campus (at least for the first couple of years). While there are
many off-campus apartments, we are not able to make recommendations
or take any responsibility for those who live off campus in private
apartments.

If you are considering off-campus living, be sure to use search
terms like "student apartments in Amherst, NY" and be sure to see
which ones provide transportation and how far they are from the UB
North Campus (the UB Amherst Campus).

Is there supervision in the university residence halls?

Each building has professional, live-in supervisory staff known
as the Residence Hall Directors (RD) and Assistant Hall Directors.
The RD generally has a master’s degree in student affairs
administration, college student personnel or counseling. Assistant
Hall Directors are often graduate students working on their
master’s or doctoral degrees. There is also one Resident
Advisor (RA) for every 30 students. The RAs are senior students
with demonstrated empathy, leadership and communication skills. RAs
are trained to respond to emergencies, help with roommate problems,
facilitate programming, answer questions, make referrals to
appropriate UB offices, distribute information and generally be
available for students.

Should my child sign up for a meal plan?

Any registered UB student may purchase a UB Dining Meal Plan,
whether they live on or off campus. First-year students living in
residence halls are required to purchase a Dining Meal Plan.

Although cooking is not allowed in residence hall rooms, limited
cooking facilities are available in shared kitchens in all
residence halls. International students who prepare their own meals
should know that a variety of ethnic foods are available at local
grocery stores and specialty shops.

Are students required to own a computer?

No, students are not required to own a computer.

However, many students choose to have their own computer or
laptop. All UB students have access to numerous public computing
sites located throughout our campuses in both academic buildings
and residence halls.

What do UB students do outside of class?

Extracurricular activities will not only help your child make
friends, they also will offer valuable opportunities to learn and
to lead.

There are too many possibilities to mention them all here, but a
partial list includes more than 200 academic, service-related,
international, and multicultural clubs and organizations,
leadership workshops, wellness resources, volunteer opportunities,
concerts, lectures (for example, the university’s Distinguished Speakers Series has brought
renowned leaders such as Kofi Annan, the Dalai Lama, Al Gore, Colin
Powell and Tony Blair), athletic events and so on. Students can
also find internships or paid, part-time jobs on campus. Getting
involved is a critical component of life and learning on
campus.

Do students need to have a car?

Students are allowed to own a car, but it is not a necessity. It
is often faster and easier for students to walk or take the campus
shuttles, especially when they live on campus. Convenient shuttle
buses transport students back and forth between UB's three
campuses, as well to different points on each campus. UB shuttles
also take students off campus to the local shopping mall and
grocery store. In addition, campus buses are equipped with bike
racks and UB participates in a community bicycle-lending program.
International students who are considering owning a car or driving
while at UB should refer to the ISSS driving guidelines.

What if my child becomes ill?

All UB students pay a mandatory Health Service Fee, which gives
them access to excellent primary Health
Services on campus. Other off-campus medical services may be
covered under the mandatory Student Medical
Insurance plan, which provides extensive coverage of medical
costs for UB’s international students. UB also has a
Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services
to students.

What type of clothing is appropriate for Buffalo weather?

Buffalo enjoys four distinct seasons. Because of that, students
must be prepared for weather of all types. Fall (or Autumn), which
occurs from September through October, has average minimum and
maximum temperatures between 32° and 75° Fahrenheit (0°
to 24° Celsius). Winters, which occur from November through
March, have average minimum and maximum temperatures between
17° and 45° Fahrenheit (-8° and 8° Celsius), with
most snow falling in December through February. Spring, which
occurs from April through June, has average minimum and maximum
temperatures between 36° and 75° Fahrenheit (2° to
24° Celsius). Summers are pleasant and moderate with average
minimum and maximum temperatures between 62° and 80°
Fahrenheit (17° and 27° Celsius) and rarely rising above
90° (32° Celsius).

Three basic types of clothing are essential for the Buffalo
climate. In winter, heavy jackets or overcoats, warm hats, scarves,
gloves or mittens, and snow boots are necessary. During chilly
autumn and spring days, raincoats or medium-weight wool coats or
ski jackets are worn outdoors, while sweaters are often worn
indoors. A lightweight jacket is sometimes appropriate for cool
nights during the spring, summer and fall. All university buildings
are heated during cold weather and many are air-conditioned during
the summer. In general, student dress is casual. Many of our
professors will also dress informally. Blue jeans and T-shirts are
acceptable for class, but you should also bring some formal
clothing for interviews, receptions and other special occasions. It
is a good idea to bring seasonal clothing with you or have it
mailed to you after you arrive. Some international students from
warmer climates find that it is more economical to purchase their
winter coats and jackets here in Buffalo. Daily UB shuttles to the
local shopping mall are available to all UB students.

Distance between major cities and the University at Buffalo

New York City: 1 hour flight; about 7 hours by car

Boston: 1 hour flight; about 7 hours by car

Toronto, Canada: 1 hour and 40 minutes by car

Chicago: 1 hour and 15 minute flight; about 8 hours by car

How do students get to UB from the airport?

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located just 15
kilometers from campus. It's quick and easy to take a taxi (and it
costs only $25 – $30). The taxis are familiar with the campus
and they'll know exactly where to take you.

You may also contact a student representative of your international student club to ask if they might
provide you with assistance on your arrival.

If my family decides to visit our son or daughter at UB, where should we stay?

There are a number of affordable and comfortable hotels located
near the University at Buffalo. When making hotel reservations,
please mention that you are visiting UB, as discounts may
apply.

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The information contained in this web site is provided as a
service to prospective students, applicants, students and the
public. No claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked
to this web site or any associated site is made. Neither the
University at Buffalo nor the Office of International Education
(including the Office of International Admissions) is responsible
for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the
results obtained from the use of this information.